Home / Guides / Minimum wage
How much is minimum wage in Australia? The national minimum wage and where it sits on the salary index
Find out how much the minimum wage in Australia is in 2026–27, including hourly and weekly rates, junior pay, and where it ranks on the national salary index.
The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, meaning it is roughly half the full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings benchmark of $108,352 a year.
How much is minimum wage in Australia?
If you’re asking how much is minimum wage in Australia, the short answer is that from 1 July 2026 the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year. That figure comes from the Fair Work Ombudsman and is updated each financial year. But the national minimum wage is only one part of the story. Most Australian workers are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum rate for their job. The national minimum wage is the legal floor for award‑free employees.
Where does the minimum wage sit on the salary index?
The Salary Index measures how a pay figure compares to the national line of full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings, which is $108,352 per year (index 100). The national minimum wage of $52,255 gives an index of 48.2. That means someone on the minimum wage earns about half the benchmark. For context, the average full‑time male earns $2181 per week (index 107.7) and the average full‑time female earns $1934.50 per week (index 95.4). The minimum wage sits well below those averages, as you’d expect.
Award wages and the entry‑level floor
Even if you are covered by an award, there is a minimum that applies to the lowest classification. From 1 July 2026 the entry‑level award floor is $25.74 per hour. That is slightly below the national minimum wage, but most award classifications pay more. Award wages rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, following the Annual Wage Review. You can check your specific award on the pay guides page.
Casual loading and junior rates
Casual employees get a loading (usually 25%) instead of paid leave. For the national minimum wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) have a percentage of the adult rate. The national minimum wage order sets these percentages, producing hourly rates from $9.73 for under‑16s to $25.83 for 20‑year‑olds. But remember: a modern award can set different junior rates, so always check the award.
Superannuation and tax
From 1 July 2026 the super guarantee is 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So an employer paying the national minimum wage must also contribute $3,170.60 in super each year (12% of $26,422, but actually 12% of $52,255 = $6,270.60? Wait, careful: super is 12% of ordinary time earnings, so on $52,255 that is $6,270.60. The reference says max contribution base $270,830, so that doesn’t apply here. I’ll correct: super on $52,255 is $6,270.60.)
For tax, a resident earning the minimum wage in 2026–27 pays no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, then 30% on the rest. With the Medicare levy of 2%, the total tax and levy on $52,255 is roughly $6,137, leaving about $46,118 take‑home. That’s a rough estimate – it ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge.
How does the minimum wage compare across states and industries?
The national minimum wage is the same across Australia, but average earnings vary by state. The states page shows indexes from 88.6 in Tasmania to 109.9 in the ACT. If you’re on the minimum wage in a high‑cost state like NSW (index 101.2) or WA (106.9), your buying power is lower relative to local averages. In low‑index states like Tasmania (88.6) the minimum wage is closer to the local average.
Industry also matters. The industries page shows that mining (index 154.7) pays far above the national line, while retail trade (75.9) and accommodation and food services (72.5) pay well below. The minimum wage is often the starting point in those low‑paying industries, but awards like the General Retail Industry Award or the Hospitality Industry General Award set higher minimums for most roles.
What the index doesn’t tell you
The salary index is a benchmark, not a quote for your job. Your actual pay depends on your award classification, experience, location, and employer. The national minimum wage is the legal minimum, but many workers earn more. If you’re unsure what you should be paid, check your award or agreement. You can also use the how the index works page to understand the calculation.
Summary
So, how much is minimum wage in Australia? From 1 July 2026 it’s $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year. That’s index 48.2 on the salary index – roughly half the national average. Most workers are covered by awards that pay more, and casuals get a 25% loading. Junior rates are lower, and super is 12% on top. For more detail on specific roles, browse the topics page.
Questions people ask
Does the national minimum wage apply to all workers?
No. The national minimum wage applies to employees who are not covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. Most Australian workers are covered by an award that sets a higher minimum rate for their classification. If you are award‑free, the national minimum wage is your floor. Check your award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
What is the minimum wage for juniors and apprentices?
Junior employees (under 21) have a percentage of the adult national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the hourly rates are: under 16 – $9.73; 16 years – $12.51; 17 years – $15.28; 18 years – $18.06; 19 years – $21.81; 20 years – $25.83. However, a modern award may set different junior rates. Apprentices and trainees have their own minimum rates based on the award or training agreement.
How much is the minimum wage after tax?
A single resident earning the national minimum wage of $52,255 per year, with the tax‑free threshold and no other deductions, would pay approximately $5,092 in income tax plus a 2% Medicare levy ($1,045), leaving a take‑home pay of about $46,118 per year or $887 per week. This estimate ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge.